# Panama electoral code reform debates > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/panama-electoral-code-reform-debates > Updated: 2026-09-16T06:25:55.000Z. Sources: 5. Developments: 2. The Panama Electoral Tribunal (TE) proposed a series of reforms to the Electoral Code to prepare for the 2029 general elections. A key element of the proposal, Bill 699, suggests replacing the National Commission for Electoral Reforms with a permanent consultative body known as the Citizen Forum for Electoral Reform. The package also seeks to tighten regulations on private campaign financing by requiring electronic documentation of fund origins to prevent money laundering and drug trafficking involvement. As the National Assembly began debating the reforms, the proposals faced criticism. Legal expert Boris Barrios argued that the reforms fail to address inequalities between political party alliances and independent candidates, specifically regarding the ‘resta mayor’ method. Additionally, former President Ricardo Martinelli criticized the measures as a ‘political maneuver’ designed to ‘decapitate’ his leadership and prevent him from regaining the presidency of his party, Realizando Metas. ## Timeline ### 2026-09-16: Panama electoral reforms spark debate over party advantages and political leadership Panama's electoral code reforms face criticism from legal expert Boris Barrios regarding advantages for party alliances, while former President Ricardo Martinelli claims the changes target his party leadership. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/panama-electoral-reforms-spark-debate-over-party-advantages-and-political-leadership ### 2026-09-12: Panama Electoral Tribunal proposes major electoral code reforms Panama's Electoral Tribunal has proposed reforms to the Electoral Code, including replacing the CNRE with a permanent citizen forum and implementing stricter traceability for private campaign financing. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/panama-electoral-tribunal-proposes-major-electoral-code-reforms --- Cite as: Panama electoral code reform debates. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/panama-electoral-code-reform-debates